4 Things You Can Do If You Are Worried About Climate Change

We can have endless discussions. Or we can stop wringing our hands and take action.

05/02/2017 12:24 PM AEDT
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Updated
07/02/2017 3:07 AM AEDT

Green Guru

We can have endless discussions, feeling appalled and dispirited. Or we can stop wringing our hands and take action.

Green Guru
We can have endless discussions, feeling appalled and dispirited. Or we can stop wringing our hands and take action.

If you are worried about climate change, you are not alone. Seventy percent of Americans think climate change is real and support the Paris Agreement. With over 100 countries ratifying the agreement and pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is obvious that people around the world believe in the importance of limiting global warming.

If you are a scientist, or even just a nature lover, you might be finding it hard to resist slamming your laptop shut every time you read the news lately. In these uncertain times, you have good reason to feel frustrated. We cannot be sure of the actions that will be taken by the new administration but recent events do not bode well for the future.

This is why it is time we stop wringing our hands and start taking action. There are a number of ways you can help protect the Earth for future generations (and none of them involve tying yourself to a tree).

1. Voice your concerns.

Do not remain silent. If you are unhappy with the direction that things are moving in, exercise your right to free speech. Call your local elected officials. Make your voice heard at a peaceful protest. There will be a March For Science on Earth Day (April 22) in Washington D.C. and satellite marches across the country in solidarity. Look up the march closest to you, prepare a sign, and make your voice heard.

2. Be forward thinking and adopt better habits.

Not really a ‘make your voice heard’ kind of person? Not a problem. After all, actions speak louder than words. The key is to be forward thinking — to champion innovation and let go of outdated practices.

For example, you can start taking the necessary financial steps in order to one day own a vehicle that does not rely on fossil fuel (You might even have to — some states are considering requiring all ground transportation run on renewable energy). You can eat less red meat to reduce food emissions, or make improvements to your home so that it is more energy efficient.

If enough people make these kinds of changes, the market will react. Envision the kind of future you want and think about what actions you can take today to make that future a reality.

Decide what matters to you and find the people working tirelessly for the cause. Direct your dollars and/or your time to these groups and organizations. At the very least, retweet them to help spread the word about the work they are doing.

Now is not the time to be passive. Stay active, stay informed, and most importantly stay woke.

Ben J Hicks
“Without bolder action, our children won’t have time to debate the existence of climate change; they’ll be busy dealing with its effects.” - Barack Obama